Medical Hardship Fund – Harvard University Student Health Program

We understand medical care costs can be challenging, and you may want to explore options for financial assistance. We do encourage members to become familiar with their health plan to avoid any unexpected costs while administering care. Funding assistance programs and the eligibility criteria within are subject to change.

All information provided in the application process is confidential and is not reflected in the medical record.

Eligible members may apply to the funding assistance option below. Members must be enrolled on both parts of HUSHP to be considered eligible.

Please note, these funding assistance programs cannot cover the cost of insurance plan premiums.

Members must apply for financial assistance by July 31 of the plan year for which they are requesting support.

If you have any further questions about funding assistance options or the application process, contact the Patient Advocate at Harvard University Health Services by calling (617) 495-7583 or emailing patadvoc@huhs.harvard.edu.

To Apply, You Must:

Be eligible and enrolled in both components of the Harvard University Student Health Program (the Student Health Fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan).
Have your care coordinated by a Harvard University Health Services clinician when possible.
Be able to demonstrate financial hardship.

The Fund May Be Used Towards:

The allowable cost of diagnostic/specialist visits beyond the twelve-visit limit* for medically necessary care not available at Harvard University Health Services (e.g., cardiology, oncology, liver, and kidney disease). The specialist must be an “in-network” provider.
An inpatient admission or outpatient surgery when performed in a higher cost-share hospital, but only when the service received at the higher cost-share hospital was non-elective and coordinated by a Harvard University Health Services clinician when possible. In this case, a portion of the copay differential between the higher and lower cost share hospitals may be covered.

*Effective February 1, 2024, the twelve-visit limit for diagnostic/specialist visits was removed.

Submission information is provided on the application.

apply for the medical hardship fund